GETCA 2020

What does it mean to be physically literate? What is the difference between physical education and physical literacy? The answer lies within the 4 cornerstones of the concept, whereby social emotional regulation plays an important role in the development of the physical competence of the whole child. Come ready to participate in an activity session that will address physical literacy fundamentals for lifelong, healthy living. Learn new activities you can perform with students that provide emotional support as we move towards a new competency-based curriculum!

If the opening session of the Health and Physical Education Institute has got you thinking differently about school sports, join the group to keep the discussion going. Dr. Lauren Sulz of the University of Alberta will facilitate a discussion with practical examples from schools across the province who are working a new direction in their sports programs. This session is part of the Health and Physical Education Institute co-hosted by Ever Active Schools and the Health and Physical Education Council.

Are you looking for an innovative sport to encourage athleticism among your student body? Have you ever been curious about cheerleading? Have you ever wanted to learn more about it, or even just give it a try? Following the 2016 recognition of Cheerleading by the IOC cheerleading has seen huge growth in Alberta and internationally. Cheerleading is a unique sport; it attracts both traditional and non-traditional athletes and challenges them in new and exciting ways! Contemporary Cheerleading combines acrobatic stunting, gymnastics, dance, jumps, and traditional sideline cheering. Cheerleading teaches valuable life skills such as teamwork, trust, and confidence. In this session we will discuss what cheerleading is and why it is a great option for schools, we will look at safety regulations, how to start a successful program, and will have the opportunity to watch some cheer skills demos!

This interactive session will feature activities and strategies to implement a run, walk or activity club at your school. The Alberta Medical Association and Ever Active Schools have partnered to support Alberta Schools through the Alberta Medical Association Youth Run Club: a fun, free and flexible club. Participants of this session will leave with the expertise to develop a new club or enhance an existing one with access to downloadable handbooks, practice plans and free swag. Come ready to move and have some fun! This session is part of the Health and Physical Education Institute co-hosted by Ever Active Schools and the Health and Physical Education Council at GETCA 2020. Join a full day of active and practical sessions for all grade levels addressing the Physical Education, Health and Life Skills and CALM curriculum.

Active play in nature and outdoors is essential for healthy child development. This interactive session will feature activities and strategies to develop competence, confidence and motivation to be active outside for life. The Alberta Orienteering Association and the Be Fit For Life Network have partnered to create Orange Marks the Spot: a series of lesson plans that are a fun way to introduce outdoor adventure skills to participants ages 5-12. Participants will leave with free downloadable lesson plans and strategies for use as a cross-curricular activity, in Physical Education, for large group activities, special event days, or a way to orient students to new spaces. This session is part of the Health and Physical Education Institute co-hosted by Ever Active Schools and the Health and Physical Education Council.

Zumba is an exercise fitness program created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto "Beto" Perez during the 1990s. A Zumba class combines fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body using principles from aerobic and fitness to achieve health benefits. In every Zumba lesson four core rhythms are always present: merengue, salsa, cumbia and reggaeton. Some other styles of music is also added to the music pool recently. It is an exercise fits people at all age and most of the health conditions. The goals of Zumba fitness are: having fun, gaining cardio and muscle-toning benefits, and adjusting body weight. Mr. Wu is a senior Zumba coach. This session will introduce this fitness exercise, and practice Zumba using a special set of songs.

HPEC Smorgasbord of Low-Organized Games with your Regional Reps
This is a fun, interactive, session filled with go-to games curated by the provincial team of HPEC regional representatives. Your RR's will share their favourite games to play in the gymnasium with their students. This session is always a hit at the HPEC annual conference, and we are bringing it to Teachers' Convention to give you with activities you'll feel confident teaching first thing on Monday morning. This session is part of the Health and Physical Education Institute co-hosted by Ever Active Schools and the Health and Physical Education Council.

Shuttle Time is a grass roots badminton coaching delivery targeting school teachers, beginner coaches, and their respective students. This blended learning program’s goal is to instruct teachers and novice coaches in the technical and tactical skills of badminton in a progressive, systemic manner. This program has been integrated into the CAC / Badminton Canada Instructional coaching stream, and aligns with CS4L and LTD models and protocol. Application of this program is intended to promote physical literacy within the school system using badminton as the conduit. This session is part of the Health and Physical Education Institute co-hosted by Ever Active Schools and the Health and Physical Education Council.

Movement is essential for healthy physical and mental development in children and youth. A growing body of research highlights the vital role that physical activity has on cognition, brain function and mental health. Learn how movement impacts the mental health of children and youth in the areas of depression, anxiety, stress and self-esteem, and try out some fun, practical movement activities to use in your classroom or school! This session is part of the Ever Active Schools Health and Wellness Symposium, presented with our provincial partners Alberta Health Services, the Be Fit for Life Network and the Health and Physical Education Council. This session is one of a series dedicated to creating and sustaining healthy school communities using a Comprehensive School Health approach.